Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2018-CHRYSLER-PACIFICA NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2018 · Chrysler

Chrysler Pacifica problems

802 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 Pacifica?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Embed this reliability snapshot

Free to use on your site, post, or video — keep the link back. Preview the widget →

<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2018-chrysler-pacifica/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
195 reports · fails ~27,231 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
175 reports · fails ~31,885 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
141 reports · fails ~36,742 mi · avg $700
severe
powertrain
138 reports · fails ~27,219 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
14 reports · fails ~26,365 mi · avg $450
severe
body
12 reports · fails ~26,063 mi · avg $1,500
severe
suspension
12 reports · fails ~20,631 mi · avg $900
moderate
cruise control
8 reports · fails ~42,867 mi · avg $600
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2018 Pacifica's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2018 Pacifica?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 Pacifica · steering
The steering becomes stiff or seems to get stuck when between 10 or 11 o'clock position. It appears to be slowly deteriorating. It has not been reported yet and no warning lights showing. It does not yet stop the vehicle from being in control. It has been noticed over last year…
2018 Pacifica · powertrain
The car shifts really hard going into 2nd gear, it feels like I've been rear-ended. It is awful. Also sometimes it loses power then accelerates on its own. Both issues are safety issues. this happens several times a weeks for the last 3 years.
2018 Pacifica · electrical Fire
Vehicle was at red light when started to smell something burning then smoke from the hood and vents inside the van. Then when the hood is popped tithe flames got worse. The fire started on the right rear side of engine compartment around the radiator reservoir.
12/31/2019 · at 21,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292370.0 · see electrical pattern →
2018 Pacifica · electrical
While driving on the freeway, the van suddenly started to ‘drag’ and alarm that the start/stop system was unavailable. I was barely able to pull off the freeway before the van completely stopped moving and would not start up again.
View all 802 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2018 Chrysler Pacifica? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 17V542000 August 31, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option

Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T54.
severe NHTSA 19V143000 February 28, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles

A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary. The right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt will be replaced with a larger-diameter pinch bolt. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.
severe NHTSA 18V493000 July 26, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles

If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U80.
View all 4 recalls →

Under investigation 3 open at NHTSA

PE Steering › Electric Power Assist System · opened September 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. PE25009 on NHTSA →

RQ Electrical System › Wiring · opened February 2024

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ24004 on NHTSA →

RQ Electrical System › Propulsion System · opened January 2024

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ24001 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 802 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

On the NHTSA data, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Steering: 141 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 7,950–55,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 195 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 27,231 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 27,231 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chrysler Pacifica has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 802 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chrysler/Pacifica. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chrysler. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.